Posts Tagged ‘child nutrition’
Sponsoring Organizations: Key Players in Ensuring Federal Program Integrity
The CACFP is administered as a public-private partnership between the USDA, State agencies and sponsoring organizations to ensure nutritious meals and snacks are served to children and adults in care. Learn more about the role of the sponsoring organization in maintaining federal program integrity.
Read MoreCACFP Early Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among U.S. Children
The CACFP is one of the earliest points of intervention for obesity prevention for young children. The high-quality nutrition provided by the CACFP has been proven to improve diet-quality and reduce the risk of obesity.
Read MorePower Up with Protein
Protein is a key part of a healthy diet. It helps children grow strong by building muscles, repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and giving the body energy. Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition define protein, highlight its importance, and provide common food sources.
Read MorePromoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the CACFP
USDA sent a memorandum to CACFP State agency Directors outlining the importance of program integrity and recommending oversight strategies to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
Read MoreDietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 – Eat Real Food
USDA released a memo outlining some of the key updates included in the 2020-2030 DGAs. While USDA emphasizes that CACFP and SFSP operators familiarize themselves with the recommendations, there are no immediate changes to program requirements. Operators must continue to follow current CACFP and SFSP meal pattern requirements
Read MoreHeart of the CACFP Spotlight Nominations
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re thinking a lot about love. This month, we want to shine a little extra light on the people who pour their hearts into the CACFP each and every day. Help us honor these dedicated individuals by nominating someone who deserves recognition for their exceptional impact.
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: January 2026
In the last three months, multiple updates have been issued by USDA and Congress. In early January, we saw the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as well as the passing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law. In addition, USDA has approved off-site monitoring waivers for State agencies, released the 2026 SFSP reimbursement rates and rural designation map, and hosted a webinar on serious deficiency in the CACFP. NCA has also developed new resources on CACFP program integrity to support our community. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreSFSP 2026 Reimbursement Rates
The USDA has released the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates for 2026. The rates are effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. On average, the 2026 rates have increased by 3.7% from last year.
Read MoreProgram Integrity in the CACFP: Role of Sponsoring Organizations
Behind every CACFP meal is a system of oversight designed to maintain public trust and protect the people the program serves. Sponsoring organizations ensure compliance, accountability and continued access to nutritious meals while providing ongoing technical assistance. Here are resources that explain how program integrity is upheld in the CACFP.
Read MoreSerious Deficiency in the CACFP
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) posted a webinar recording for CACFP State agencies on the Serious Deficiency Process. The training was meant to equip State agencies with the ability to identify serious deficiencies and maneuver through the serious deficiency process.
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